4 ways games make it ‘OK to play’

Games are gradually losing their stigma as more learning benefits emerge

While technology is a powerful learning tool, there are still concerns about how tech tools are used, as well as how much screen time young children should experience. But devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers can be a powerful part of child development, especially through interactive experiences and games.

“Everybody is starting to understand the power of games, and they’re remembering what is fun about them—what’s fantastic about games is that we can use them at any point in time,” said Barbara Chamberlin, project director at the New Mexico State University Learning Games Lab.

“Games offer immediate feedback, you can see your progress, you can try something and be frustrated but later learn more…that’s why game play is so engaging to us,” she said.